The people who are—and have been—a part of our lives
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a season, because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
“Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season, or a lifetime.”
© 2010, Misty Hall
NOTE: I’ve gotten this essay a number of times in the past few years from a number of different people. After requesting information about the source of this piece, I was contacted by the author, Misty Hall. I have included her essay on my site because the message resonates with me, offering comfort especially during times of loss or change. I have seen this material attributed to others, as well as anonymously. I will take Misty’s word for the authorship and offer my most sincere appreciation for her permission to share this essay with my site visitors.
UPDATE: It’s been many years since I first read this piece or included it on an earlier version of my site. I read it now with a slightly different perspective, as many people have come and gone in my life during this time. I’m sharing it now as a special tribute to those friends who feel like “lifetime” relationships, even though we’ve only known one another for a few years. And with gratitude to those individuals who are no longer a part of my life for the reasons and the seasons—and the lessons—they brought along the way.
Related resources:
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships
Dealing with Difficult Colleagues
Dimensions of Gratitude
Download the free certificates to acknowledge the Angels in Disguise in your life.
Download the free certificates to offer the Gift of Service to special people in your life.
© 2022, Dr. Jane Bluestein
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